Osceola Children's Theatre presents 'Treasure Island' Nov. 16, 17

OST photo by AMY HANSEN
Cast members in Osceola Children's Theatre production of "Treasure Island" shout "Pirates!" during a dress rehearsal at Clarke Community Elementary School.

By AMY HANSEN OST news editor ahansen@osceolaiowa.com

Shiver me timbers, mateys, here come the pirates!

Osceola Children's Theatre will present a live production of the classic Robert Lewis Stephenson novel "Treasure Island" Nov. 16 and 17 at Clarke Community High School auditorium.

"There is something very special about enjoying live theater as a family, and we are so lucky in Osceola to have such a beautiful and comfortable auditorium right in our town," said Kathy Kooiker, the show's director. "Your children get to watch their classmates perform while you enjoy special time as a family."

Kooiker said she chose "Treasure Island" because she knew the children would love to play pirates.

"I have more boys than girls, so I have to find plays that are little more boy heavy," she said.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.

Story

"Treasure Island" was first published as a serial in a boys' magazine in 1881-82, and then in book form in 1883. It is one of the most well-known adventure novels of all time.

Stevenson's story has been adapted for movies and television numerous times throughout the years.

It is a tale of buccaneers and buried gold with a young hero named Jim Hawkins. Throughout the story, there are treasures, treasure maps, pirates, mutinies, sword fights and narrow escapes.

Kooiker has been preparing 26 elementary school children for the past 10 weeks for the musical adaptation of the story of Hawkins, pirate characters like Long John Silver and the crew of the Hispaniola, as they set sail to find Captain Flint's buried treasure.

Family friendly

Kooiker said she encourages families of all ages to come to the show that features a child-friendly setting.

The show runs a little more than an hour and is fast-paced with pirate songs and dances.

The audience will even have the opportunity to sing along to "Yo Ho Ho ad a Bottle of Rum."

Kooiker said there is a purpose behind the performance of "Treasure Island" — getting young students acquainted with stories they may not have read before.

"I try to introduce them to literature throughout our plays," she said.